Burgess – N.Z. s next captain?

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32803, 31 December 1971, Page 15

Burgess - N.Z. s next captain?

Auckland made a flying start to the Plunket Shield series with its innings victory over Central Districts, and its 21 points from the game. It was also an auspicious debut for M. G. Burgess as Auckland’s captain, and his innings of 146 added to a very fine recent record on his home ground: it was his fourth century in his last eight appearances at Eden Park.

One swallow does not make a summer, but there is certain to be keen interest in Burgess’s management of the Auckland team in the remaining shield matches. At 27, he must have prospects of leading New Zealand when the sorry day arrives on which G. T. Dowling announces his retirement. There is every reason to believe that Dowling will be in the game for a significant period, but when he does go, Burgess could suc-

ceed him, for Dowling's present deputy, B. E. Congdon will be 34 in February. When Dowling retires, Congdon may not be far from the end of his career. Burgess has the assets to make a good captain. He is well known now to the cricketing public for his cultured batting and his magnificent fielding. Al-

though his career has certainly not been one of uninterrupted success, Burgess has matured into a top-class test batsman, and at Eden Park last summer he became the first New Zealander to score centuries in successive test. innings. His batting against England was magnificent. And his fielding is inspiring and exciting.

He has more than that to offer. Burgess is among the most pleasant of young men, but his easy charm is shed very quickly on the field. He has a strong competitive streak, and he is always very much in the game. He has the batting graces of an old-time amateur, but the obstinacy and determination of a Yorkshire professional of the pre-war years.

Burgess is now a very experienced player. As a batsman and fieldsman, he is capable of setting very high standards. He has a good cricket brain. And he is tough. This series may establish him firmly as Auckland’s captain. And it could point to the more senior appointment a little later.